Blog by Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

The ABCs of Behavioral Biases: F-K

12/17/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Let’s continue our alphabetic tour of common behavioral biases that distract otherwise rational investors from making best choices about their wealth. Today, we’ll tackle: familiarity bias, fear, framing, and greed, herd mentality, and hindsight.

The ABCs of Behavioral Biases: A-E

12/16/2020 05:00 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Welcome back to our “ABCs of Behavioral Biases.” Today, we’ll get started by introducing you to four self-inflicted biases that knock a number of investors off-course: anchoring, blind spot, and confirmation.

The ABCs of Behavioral Biases: Introduction

12/15/2020 05:00 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Your own behavioral biases are often the greatest threat to your financial well-being. As investors, we leap before we look. We stay when we should go. We cringe at the very risks that are expected to generate our greatest rewards.

Financial Best Practices for Year-End 2020

12/11/2020 06:59 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Has 2020 left you feeling like the fabled Sisyphus, forever pushing a boulder up a steep hill? With multiple COVID-19 vaccines in the works, there’s hope the load will lighten in the new year. While we prepare for a fresh start, here are six financial best practices for year-end 2020 and beyond.

Possible Tax Changes That May Come With The Biden Presidency

11/13/2020 06:36 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

A major part of President-elect Biden’s proposed changes to taxation is his pledge to not increase taxes on those making less than $400,000...

What a Financial Planner Can Do For You

10/12/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Financial planner. Financial advisor. Investment advisor. Investment manager. You may be wondering what they are and how they’re different. And most of all, you may be wondering what they can do for you and if you should have one.

What is a Fiduciary and Fee-Only Financial Planner?

09/28/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

If you’re considering hiring a financial planner or financial advisor, it’s important to understand the difference between a salesperson and a fiduciary.

Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage?

09/18/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

To go along with last month's article about mortgage refinancing there is now a handy flowchart that you can use to help you decide if you should refinance your mortgage.

9 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid

09/14/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Many millennial households are on their way to building substantial wealth. They’re saving 20% or more of their paychecks, investing in 401(k) accounts, and keeping their debt levels low. But others, even those with good educations and solid careers, are making financial mistakes.

Signs You Need A Financial Planner

08/31/2020 09:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Solid and respectable planners let you know if they can’t help you and refer you to a professional who can. If you have no idea if you’re on track for retirement and don’t know how to find out, a financial planner could help gauge your progress and build a plan that will help you stay on track.